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The DFW NCDA made the $1 million donation to the Dallas Police Department during a press conference.

Dallas, Texas (PRWEB)October 05, 2016

The day after the July 7 ambush in downtown Dallas when five Dallas Police Department (DPD) and DART officers were slain, the Dallas Fort Worth Metropolitan New Car Dealers Association (DFW NCDA) were moved to show its support for the DPD and the City of Dallas in a substantial way. Twelve weeks later, the DFW NCDA has donated 14 Chevrolet Tahoes and additional equipment totaling $1 million to the DPD.

“The DFW NCDA is very honored to fulfill a ‘wish list’ that the DPD created. For the past three months, the Association has worked tirelessly to raise funds from its dealer members for this $1 million donation. It is our hope that these vehicles will assist with keeping the citizens of Dallas safer for years to come,” said Bobby Baillargeon, chairman of the DFW NCDA.

The $1 million presentation was made during a press conference at DPD Headquarters on Sept. 30. DPD Chief of Police David O. Brown, who was on hand to accept the donation, was overwhelmed by the magnitude of the gesture from the DFW NCDA.

“That’s seven digits. That’s pretty significant,” Brown said.

According to Brown, the Tahoes will be used for Patrol Emergency Response Tactical Teams (PERTT). Each vehicle will be made “road ready” for officers by being outfitted with four armored doors, tactical box, computer, police radio, lights, and shields and helmets.

“We are so thankful to the New Car Dealers Association for such a generous gift. These vehicles and the additional donation for protective equipment will be used by officers assigned to our patrol emergency response teams who respond to some of the most critical and dangerous incidents in the city,” Chief Brown said.

Lee J Chapman, president of the DFW NCDA, spoke about the importance of the donation. “This was all about helping the Dallas Police Department and, more importantly, helping the officers. They do so much for us and are very underappreciated. So, we wanted to show them our appreciation and to put them in a better position to react to situations like what happened in July,” he said.

In addition to being used by police officers in first response emergency situations, the Tahoes will be taken to community events by the DPD so that citizens can see what capabilities the vehicles have.

“The public will also have an opportunity to view these specially equipped vehicles when they are displayed at special events such as National Night Out and Chief on the Beat. Support from stakeholders in our community is what helps keep our officers safe and what makes Dallas the safest city in the country,” Brown added.

Baillargeon noted that the $1 million donation is the largest donation that the DFW NCDA has ever made since its inception six years ago.

“The DFW NCDA values its relationship with the Dallas Police Department. And on behalf of the DFW NCDA, I would like to say that I am extremely proud of the generosity and love of community our dealer members have displayed,” Baillargeon added.

Chapman agreed. “We have the best dealers in the country; not only how they treat their customers, but how they contribute to the communities.”

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Photo by Grant Miller
From left: Bobby Baillargeon, chairman of the DFW NCDA; DPD Chief David O. Brown; and Lee J Chapman, president of the DFW NCDA.

About the DFW NCDA
The Dallas Fort Worth Metropolitan New Car Dealers Association (DFW NCDA) is a trade association that is comprised of approximately 200 franchised new car dealerships in 11 North Texas counties that represent more than $10 billion in new and used car sales annually. The DFW NCDA serves both dealers and consumers through legislative issues, education and training, and community relations, with an emphasis on building a strong future for its dealer members and a rewarding shopping experience for their customers. The DFW Auto Show at the Dallas Convention Center and the DFW Auto Show in Fort Worth are two of the nation’s premier auto shows that are developed, presented and showcased by the DFW NCDA. Visit http://www.dfwncda.com for more information.